Dear friends, I am Dr. Omi Jindul, the Chief Hair Transplant Surgeon at Darling Downs Hair Transplant Clinic, Toowoomba. Today, I’m going to give you an insight into how we conduct consultations for hair transplant patients, so you understand what you are getting into, what to expect on the day, and so there are no surprises.
We are a medical practice first and foremost, and we follow the rules and recommendations of the Medical Board of Australia. That’s why we conduct two standard consultations before proceeding with any hair transplant procedure. We want you to make an informed decision once you are prepared for a hair transplant.
It’s a two-step process.
In Step One—on the first day of your consultation—I will talk you through the different aspects of the hair transplant procedure. How is it done? How long does it take? What is the recovery process? What are the after-effects? I go through all of the technical aspects using photographs, PowerPoints, and diagrams to illustrate everything in layman’s terms, without medical jargon, so you understand exactly what the procedure involves.
Even if you have visited other clinics, I still touch base on every detail as a duty of care, to ensure you truly understand what a hair transplant—or more specifically, FUE—is.
The second step of the consultation is more personalized. I take photographs of your scalp and discuss how you would like your hairline and hair design to be. We talk about the desired density, examine your donor site, assess how good or bad it is, look for any existing scarring, and consider whether there are any medical reasons not to proceed with a transplant.
All of these criteria are discussed in detail. I’ll draw lines and diagrams to demonstrate your customized surgical plan, and then we discuss the financial aspects—how much it will cost, whether a payment plan is available, and what the weekly or fortnightly costs would be. Once we all agree, the plan is saved in your file so that during the second consultation, we can continue exactly where we left off.
The second consult is typically for when you are ready to proceed with the hair transplant. At this stage, I answer any questions that may have come up since your first visit, and I clarify everything to the best of my ability. We revisit the financial details, discuss the timeframe, set a date, book you in—and it’s all done.
When you arrive on the day of your transplant, you’ll already know what to expect, and there will be no surprises.
If you’re unable to attend your second consult in person, we understand. However, we still recommend at least a video teleconsultation. That way, I can go through the consent forms with you and ensure you fully understand the process and are making an informed choice before undergoing the procedure.
No decision should be made in haste. Your safety is of paramount importance to me. As a doctor, that is my highest priority. At Darling Downs Hair Transplant Clinic, we are committed to your safety. We will never proceed with something that is not in your best interest.
Occasionally—not often, but occasionally—if you are not a suitable candidate for a hair transplant due to medical reasons, we will refer you back to your GP. Your doctor can help manage and correct any underlying condition, so you can get the best experience and optimal hair growth results when you are ready.
We will never push you into surgery. If you don’t want it—or if you can’t have it—you shouldn’t be having it.
I hope that gives you a good insight into how the consultation process works at Darling Downs Hair Transplant Clinic. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask, send us an email, or visit us in person. All consultations are free of charge.
Thank you so much.
